“We apologise to any passengers that were affected by this disruption.”

Tonight it was confirmed that the military have been brought into service and a criminal investigation is underway.

Metropolitan Police Commander Stuart Cundy said: “Police officers were amongst those who saw the drone and a full criminal investigation has been launched.

“We are deploying significant resources – both in terms of officers and equipment – to monitor the airspace around Heathrow and to quickly detect and disrupt any illegal drone activity; some of which are as a result of learning from the incidents at Gatwick.

“Following today’s sighting, military assistance has been implemented to support us.

“However, we will not be discussing in any further detail the range of tactics available to us as this would only serve to potentially undermine their effectiveness.”
A British Airways aircraft sits on the tarmac at Heathrow Airport
A British Airways aircraft sits on the tarmac at Heathrow Airport Credit: HENRY NICHOLLS/REUTERS

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: “We are deploying specialist equipment to Heathrow Airport at the request of the Metropolitan Police.”

On Monday, the Government had announced that police and airports will be given new powers to shoot down, catch and jam drones in a bid to prevent a repeat of the chaos that plagued Gatwick over the Christmas period.

Between December 19 and 21, the airport was repeatedly forced to close due to reported drone sightings, causing mass disruption to passengers, with about 1,000 flights affected.

The Army was brought in to help deal with the travel chaos and was not stood down until after Christmas.

Despite the relatively brief suspension on Tuesday, airline staff at Heathrow’s Terminal 2 warned that some flights may have to be cancelled because of landing curfews in foreign cities. 5pm as a “precautionary measure” to “prevent any threat to operational safety”.

They were given the all clear around an hour later, as staff said they would continue to monitor the situation and government sources said they remained on standby.

A Heathrow spokesman said: “We continue to work closely with the Met Police to respond to reports of drones at Heathrow.

“Based on standard operating procedures, working with Air Traffic Control and the Met Police, we have resumed departures following a short suspension.
A police vehicle by the perimeter fence at Heathrow
A police vehicle by the perimeter fence at Heathrow Credit: David Dyson

“We apologise to any passengers that were affected by this disruption.”

Tonight it was confirmed that the military have been brought into service and a criminal investigation is underway.

Metropolitan Police Commander Stuart Cundy said: “Police officers were amongst those who saw the drone and a full criminal investigation has been launched.

“We are deploying significant resources – both in terms of officers and equipment – to monitor the airspace around Heathrow and to quickly detect and disrupt any illegal drone activity; some of which are as a result of learning from the incidents at Gatwick.

“Following today’s sighting, military assistance has been implemented to support us.

“However, we will not be discussing in any further detail the range of tactics available to us as this would only serve to potentially undermine their effectiveness.”
A British Airways aircraft sits on the tarmac at Heathrow Airport
A British Airways aircraft sits on the tarmac at Heathrow Airport Credit: HENRY NICHOLLS/REUTERS

A spokesman for the Ministry of Defence said: “We are deploying specialist equipment to Heathrow Airport at the request of the Metropolitan Police.”

On Monday, the Government had announced that police and airports will be given new powers to shoot down, catch and jam drones in a bid to prevent a repeat of the chaos that plagued Gatwick over the Christmas period.

Between December 19 and 21, the airport was repeatedly forced to close due to reported drone sightings, causing mass disruption to passengers, with about 1,000 flights affected.

The Army was brought in to help deal with the travel chaos and was not stood down until after Christmas.

Despite the relatively brief suspension on Tuesday, airline staff at Heathrow’s Terminal 2 warned that some flights may have to be cancelled because of landing curfews in foreign cities.

Donate

Top Pages

About DJ

OLADIRAN JOSEPH OYEWUMI ( DIRAN O.Y.E ) is a seasoned and dynamic minister of God. He is a preacher, singer and songwriter, an author, a crusader for social justice and an ambassador for peace. His songs, messages and writings will electrify you and take you to the realm of blissful atmosphere. His music will get you on your feet to dance,to rejoice, to reflect and to rekindle hope. His work of music speaks well of him as a dynamic, warm and energetic person.